Clearly the third time’s a charm when it comes to passing a bill that incentivizes the expansion of rural broadband.

Guntersville-Republican State Sen. Clay Scofield re-introduced SB149 — a bill that incentivizes private projects and increases opportunity for rural broadband expansion — for the third time this quadrennium and it finally passed the Senate on Thursday.

“In the 1930s the infrastructure challenge was electricity, and in the 60s and 70s it was ensuring rural areas had clean drinking water. Expanding access to broadband internet is the infrastructure challenge of our day. We must ensure that all Alabamians have an opportunity to succeed in the digital economy,” Scofield said. “Currently, thousands of families and businesses in rural Alabama are without access to fast broadband. That’s unconscionable.”

The Alabama Rural Broadband Act is a free-market approach to increasing private investment to expand high-speed internet access across the state. The legislation would exempt companies that build qualified broadband telecommunications network facilities in rural areas from sales tax for 10 years. It would also provide a 10 percent investment tax credit, capped at $20 million per company annually.

“Students, families, and business owners in rural Alabama desperately need fast broadband internet,” said Jasper-Republican Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed. “Senate Republicans are committed to making sure that all of Alabama thrives as our state economy continues to grow. I commend Sen. Scofield for his able leadership in moving this legislation forward.”

The World Bank commissioned a study in 2015 that showed a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration could increase economic growth by 1.2 percent. It also stated that doubling broadband speeds can add 0.3 percent to GDP growth.

“Seventy years ago, co-ops and private companies invested in bringing electricity to the country, improving life and creating jobs for millions. It’s my hope that this legislation will spur the same expansion with the internet to all those same households and businesses,” Scofield remarked.

SB149 now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration.

6 Comments

Home buyers are endeavoring every possible option accessible to find flats in Bangalore at reasonable price.
The recorded data states how the rate for the current home in Pune particularly
in Bavdhan ranges between Rs 4,800-5,500 per square feet, for Balewadi
it ranges from Rs 3,600 and 4,400 per sq ft, in Tathawade is between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,400 per square feet,
in Wakad is between Rs 3,800 and 4,500 per sq ft and in Hinjewadi is between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,200
per sq . ft .. With the implementation with the new guidance values, the prices of Bangalore
property are required to shoot up.

After exploring a number of the blpog artcles on your website, I honestly
like yolur technique of blogging. I saved as a favorite it
too my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future.Please check out my website as well and let mme know what you think.

Like this:

THE LATEST FROM ALABAMA TODAY

Alabama Today will be the first place Alabamians of influence go for an inside look at breaking statewide, political and business news.

Led by Apryl Marie Fogel, a political activist with over a decade of experience, the Alabama Today team includes freelance news reporters, as well as guest columnists from around the state.

According to Fogel: "My biggest goal for Alabama Today is to provide up to the minute information that will influence the direction of our state. Alabama Today is a platform unlike any other in the state, where news is news and opinion is opinion. I'm excited to focus on two subject areas that I am passionate and dedicated to -- political news and opinions and recognizing and growing influential women."

Alabama Today is also the host of Context Alabama where voices of experience and influence statewide will regularly be published. Featuring Alabama's leading political consultants, grassroots leaders and influencers Context Alabama will provide commentary on the hottest topics.